Gas Safety on Holiday

It’s getting close to that time of year again when we start packing our bags and heading off for a well needed break. Whether you’re staying in a tent in the middle of a soaking wet field or a five star villa in the Caribbean, it’s important to be aware of the risks when it comes to gas safety.

If you are staying in rented accommodation, such as a B&B, caravan, chalet or caravan, you won’t always know how often the gas appliances have been safety checked, if at all. As we've mentioned previously, it is a landlord’s responsibility to check all gas appliances in a rented accommodation – that includes holiday accommodation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of gas, liquid gas, oil, coal and wood. If you are exposed, it can seriously damage your health and be potentially fatal.
To ensure that you are safe on your holiday, make sure you follow the Gas Safe Register’s top tips on holiday gas safety:

• Ask if the gas appliances in your accommodation have been safety checked and serviced. If you’re holidaying in the UK in cottages or caravans the landlords must do this by law – so ask the landlord for an up-to-date gas safety record
• Carbon monoxide alarms are rare overseas. If you take one away with you make sure that it’s suitable for travel
• Appliances in holiday accommodation will be different to those you’re used to at home. If you’re not sure how they work, read the instructions, or ask your holiday rep for help
• Gas cookers and gas BBQ’s should not be used for heating and require adequate ventilation when in use
• Recognise the signs of dodgy gas appliances. Black marks or stains around the appliance, lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue flames and too much condensation are all signs that gas appliances aren't working properly
• Don’t mistake carbon monoxide poisoning with other holiday sicknesses, such as food poisoning, dehydration or hangover. The main six symptoms are: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness

If you smell gas or think there might be a leak:

• TURN OFF THE GAS AT THE METER
• EXTINGUISH NAKED FLAMES
• OPEN THE WINDOWS
• LEAVE THE AREA
• INFORM THE OWNER OR HOLIDAY REP IMMEDIATELY
• SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU FEEL UNWELL

Maintracts are proud to be members of the Gas Safe Register. If you would like to find out more about their work visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk 

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NEWS: APHC Poll Reveals Consumers are at Risk of Rogue Traders

Recent findings from a poll by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) has shown how much consumers are putting themselves, and their homes, at risk.

The survey of 1,000 homeowners across England and Wales found that consumers are taking risks when hiring plumbing and heating engineers, with 1 in 5 not checking any credentials. Surprisingly, 83% stated that while professional qualifications were an important factor when choosing a plumbing professional, nearly half noted that they did not request this information when the tradesperson was present.

Most worryingly, 30% of homeowners did not check any identification prior to work commencing, with trust being cited as the main reason for not making any checks. Other reasons for not checking identification included embarrassment and credentials displayed on websites and vans.

The APHC are encouraging consumers to have the confidence to request basic evidence of identification before proceeding with work - it could mean the difference between a job well done and an expensive, if not dangerous, disaster.

If you would like to source a qualified plumber or heating engineer call Maintracts on 020 8682 2244.

One in Five Homes Struggle to Pay Water Bills

The cost of utility bills have hit the press again as a recent survey by the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) reveals that one in five households struggled to pay their water bills in 2013.

The results, which show an increase from 2012, have caused water companies to review their current charges. Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority) have accepted proposals to reduce bills from South West Water and Affinity, with Welsh Water submitting proposals for reductions today.

To combat overpriced water bills, Ofwat will make a final decision on what water companies can charge for the next five years later this year.

Related articles:
How to save money when using your toilet
Winter money saving tips
Is it time to upgrade your plumbing?

Image by Laura Morariu

How to Save Water when Using your Toilet

There are a lot of toilets in the UK, approximately 45 million – that’s around 2 billion litres of water being flushed away every day! What can you do to ensure you use the least amount of water possible when using the toilet?

• Get a cistern displacement device (CDD). A CDD displaces around 1 litre of water when you flush and are free from most water companies
• Don’t throw rubbish down the toilet; the more you throw away the more times you will need to flush!
• You can purchase a water efficient toilet. Purchasing a dual flush toilet will enable you to choose how much water you want to use every time you flush. Standard toilets use up to 13 litres of water every time you flush, a dual flush uses between 4 – 6 litres of water per flush

If you would like to find out more about water efficient toilets contact the Maintracts bathroom installations team.

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Image by Dominic Morel